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[](https://www.cdc.gov/) [Covid](https://www.cdc.gov/covid/index.html) Explore This Topic [For Everyone](https://www.cdc.gov/covid/index.html) - [About COVID-19](https://www.cdc.gov/covid/about/index.html) - [Symptoms](https://www.cdc.gov/covid/signs-symptoms/index.html) - [People with Certain Medical Conditions and COVID-19](https://www.cdc.gov/covid/risk-factors/index.html) - [COVID-19 Vaccines](https://www.cdc.gov/covid/vaccines/index.html) - [Testing](https://www.cdc.gov/covid/testing/index.html) - [Treatment](https://www.cdc.gov/covid/treatment/index.html) - [How to Protect Yourself and Others](https://www.cdc.gov/covid/prevention/index.html) - [Tools and Resources](https://www.cdc.gov/covid/communication/index.html) - [View all](https://www.cdc.gov/covid/site.html#gen) [Health Care Providers](https://www.cdc.gov/covid/hcp/index.html) - [Interim Clinical Considerations](https://www.cdc.gov/covid/hcp/vaccine-considerations/index.html) - [Vaccine Product Information](https://www.cdc.gov/covid/hcp/eui/index.html) - 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[About COVID-19](https://www.cdc.gov/covid/about/index.html) - [Symptoms](https://www.cdc.gov/covid/signs-symptoms/index.html) - [People with Certain Medical Conditions and COVID-19](https://www.cdc.gov/covid/risk-factors/index.html) - [COVID-19 Vaccines](https://www.cdc.gov/covid/vaccines/index.html) - [Testing](https://www.cdc.gov/covid/testing/index.html) - [Treatment](https://www.cdc.gov/covid/treatment/index.html) - [How to Protect Yourself and Others](https://www.cdc.gov/covid/prevention/index.html) - [Tools and Resources](https://www.cdc.gov/covid/communication/index.html) - [View All](https://www.cdc.gov/covid/site.html#gen) [Home](https://www.cdc.gov/covid/index.html) Health Care Providers - [Interim Clinical Considerations](https://www.cdc.gov/covid/hcp/vaccine-considerations/index.html) - [Vaccine Product Information](https://www.cdc.gov/covid/hcp/eui/index.html) - [Clinical Care Quick Reference](https://www.cdc.gov/covid/hcp/clinical-care/index.html) - [Infection Control Guidance](https://www.cdc.gov/covid/hcp/infection-control/index.html) - [Containing COVID-19 in Non-U.S. Healthcare Settings](https://www.cdc.gov/covid/hcp/non-us-settings/index.html) - [View All](https://www.cdc.gov/covid/site.html#hcp) [Home](https://www.cdc.gov/covid/hcp/index.html) Public Health - [Surveillance and Data Analytics](https://www.cdc.gov/covid/php/surveillance/index.html) - [SARS-CoV-2 Laboratory Biosafety Guidelines](https://www.cdc.gov/covid/php/lab/index.html) - [Antibody Seroprevalence](https://www.cdc.gov/covid/php/antibody-seroprevalence/index.html) - [CDC's Role in Tracking Variants](https://www.cdc.gov/covid/php/variants/index.html) - [SARS-CoV-2 Interagency Group](https://www.cdc.gov/covid/php/interagency-group/index.html) - [View All](https://www.cdc.gov/covid/site.html#php) [Home](https://www.cdc.gov/covid/php/index.html) [Covid](https://www.cdc.gov/covid/index.html) [About COVID-19](https://www.cdc.gov/covid/about/index.html) [Symptoms](https://www.cdc.gov/covid/signs-symptoms/index.html) [People with Certain Medical Conditions and COVID-19](https://www.cdc.gov/covid/risk-factors/index.html) [COVID-19 Vaccines](https://www.cdc.gov/covid/vaccines/index.html) [Testing](https://www.cdc.gov/covid/testing/index.html) [Treatment](https://www.cdc.gov/covid/treatment/index.html) [How to Protect Yourself and Others](https://www.cdc.gov/covid/prevention/index.html) [Tools and Resources](https://www.cdc.gov/covid/communication/index.html) [View Menu](https://www.cdc.gov/covid/vaccines/getting-your-covid-19-vaccine.html)  # Getting Your COVID-19 Vaccine June 10, 2025 For Everyone ## At a glance - Learn how to schedule an appointment to get your COVID-19 vaccine and know what to expect at your appointment.  ## Get an updated COVID-19 vaccine How to Look for Vaccine Providers Near You - Ask your doctor, pharmacist, or community health center, or visit their website. - Contact your [state health department](https://www.cdc.gov/public-health-gateway/php/communications-resources/health-department-directories.html). - Check your local pharmacy’s website to see if vaccination appointments are available. Some pharmacies may offer vaccines to those who walk in without making an appointment ahead of time. If You Are Homebound - Contact your healthcare provider or your [state or local health department](https://www.cdc.gov/public-health-gateway/php/communications-resources/health-department-directories.html) for information about getting a COVID-19 vaccine. - In many states, you may also dial 211 to connect to essential community services. - Contact groups that are advocates for people who are homebound or that provide home health services. - Call [The Aging Network](https://eldercare.acl.gov/Public/About/Aging_Network/Index.aspx) at 1-800-677-1116. - Search for services by ZIP code with the [Eldercare Locator](https://eldercare.acl.gov/Public/Index.aspx). - Contact the [Disability Information and Access Line](https://acl.gov/DIAL) (DIAL) at 1-888-677-1199. - Call the hotline for Medicare recipients at 1-800-633-4227 (TTY 1-877-486-2048). ### Schedule Your Vaccination Appointment ### Did you know? Most vaccination providers schedule appointments online. Contact the vaccination provider directly to verify, reschedule, or cancel or with any questions about your appointment. CDC **cannot** schedule, verify, reschedule, or cancel a vaccination appointment. ### Who should and shouldn't receive the vaccine You should get an [updated COVID-19 vaccine](https://www.cdc.gov/covid/vaccines/stay-up-to-date.html) even if you already had COVID-19. [Staying up to date](https://www.cdc.gov/covid/vaccines/stay-up-to-date.html) with COVID-19 vaccines after you recover from COVID-19 infection provides added protection against the virus that causes COVID-19. Talk to your doctor if you have questions about getting a COVID-19 vaccine. #### When you *can* wait to get an updated COVID-19 vaccine If you recently had COVID-19, you still need to stay up to date with your vaccines, but you **may** consider delaying your vaccine dose by 3 months. #### When you *should* wait to get an updated COVID-19 vaccine **If you have COVID-19** People who have COVID-19 should wait to get vaccinated to avoid potentially exposing healthcare personnel and others during the vaccination visit. Learn [how long to stay home](https://www.cdc.gov/respiratory-viruses/prevention/precautions-when-sick.html) and away from others if you have respiratory virus symptoms. **If you have multisystem inflammatory syndrome** Children and adults who have (or have recently had) [multisystem inflammatory syndrome (MIS)](https://www.cdc.gov/mis/about/index.html) should **wait to get vaccinated until they**: - Recover from being sick and - It has been 90 days since they were diagnosed with MIS-A or MIS-C. ## What to expect at the appointment ### Before Your Vaccination Appointment #### Get a COVID-19 vaccine with your routine medical procedures and screenings You can combine most procedures, screenings, and vaccinations at the same appointment when you get your COVID-19 vaccination. Talk to your healthcare provider if you have questions. Children, teens, and adults **may get a COVID-19 vaccine and other vaccines, including a flu vaccine, at the same time.** #### Preparing children and teens for vaccination The experience of getting a COVID-19 vaccine will be very similar to that of getting other vaccines. Learn how you can support your child and talk to them [about what to expect](https://www.cdc.gov/vaccines-children/index.html) before they get a vaccine. #### Requesting accommodations at vaccination sites - When making an appointment or arriving for vaccination, you can let staff know you or your child might need some accommodations. - People with disabilities can use the [Disability Information and Access Line (DIAL)](https://dial.acl.gov/home) to get help with COVID-19 vaccinations. #### If you have allergies related to vaccines: Talk to your doctor to learn if you should get a [different type of COVID-19 vaccine](https://www.cdc.gov/covid/vaccines/how-they-work.html#cdc_vaccine_basics_types-types-of-vaccines) if you: - Have had a severe allergic reaction to a previous COVID-19 vaccine dose. - Are allergic to an ingredient in a COVID-19 vaccine. - Had an immediate allergic reaction (a reaction that started within 4 hours of getting vaccinated) to a COVID-19 vaccine, but the reaction was not considered severe by a medical professional. ### During the Appointment **You should receive a paper or electronic fact sheet.** The fact sheet tells you more about the COVID-19 vaccine you or your child received. Each approved and authorized COVID-19 vaccine has its own fact sheet that contains information to help you understand the risks and benefits of that vaccine. ### After Getting a COVID-19 Vaccine #### Possible Side Effects After Getting a COVID-19 Vaccine Side effects after getting a COVID-19 vaccine can vary from person to person. Some people experience a little discomfort and can continue to go about their day. Others have side effects that affect their ability to do daily activities. Side effects generally go away in a few days and tend to be mild and temporary, like those experienced after routine vaccinations. Even if you don’t experience any side effects, your body is building protection against the virus that causes COVID-19. Common side effects can include: - Pain, swelling, and redness on the arm where the shot was given. - Tiredness, headache, muscle pain - Chills - Nausea - Fever #### Relieve Common Side Effects - It is not recommended to take pain relievers or medicines, such as ibuprofen, aspirin (only for people ages 18 years or older), or acetaminophen before vaccination to try to prevent side effects. - Talk to your doctor about taking over-the-counter pain relievers **after** your vaccine. - If possible, get some rest. - To relieve pain or swelling on the arm where you got the shot: - Apply a clean, cool, wet washcloth over the area. - Use or keep moving your arm. - To reduce discomfort from fever: - Drink plenty of fluids. - Dress in comfortable clothes. Talk to your child’s healthcare provider about giving your child a non-aspirin pain reliever and learn about other steps [you can take at home to comfort your child after vaccination](https://www.cdc.gov/vaccines-children/before-during-after-shots/less-stress.html). ### Call a doctor or healthcare provider about a side effect if: 1\. Redness or tenderness where the shot was given gets worse after 24 hours 2\. Side effects are worrying or do not seem to be going away after a few days 3\. After leaving a vaccination provider site, if you think you or your child might be having a severe allergic reaction, seek immediate medical care by calling 911. **Adverse events (serious health problems) after COVID-19 vaccination are rare.** [Adverse events](https://www.cdc.gov/vaccine-safety/vaccines/covid-19.html) after COVID-19 vaccination are rare, but can cause long-term health problems. They usually happen within six weeks of getting a vaccine. Learn more about the [safety of COVID-19 vaccines.](https://www.cdc.gov/vaccine-safety/vaccines/covid-19.html) Side effects and adverse events can be reported in [Vaccine Adverse Event Reporting System (VAERS).](https://vaers.hhs.gov/) ## Paying for COVID-19 vaccines Most people can get no-cost [updated COVID-19 vaccines](https://www.cdc.gov/covid/vaccines/stay-up-to-date.html) through their private health insurance, Medicare, and Medicaid plans. CDC’s [Vaccines for Children (VFC)](https://www.cdc.gov/vaccines-for-children/vfc-information-for-parents/index.html) program provides vaccines at no cost to eligible children through health care providers enrolled in the program. ### Where to find your free COVID-19 vaccine this season Now that the Bridge Access Program has ended, uninsured individuals may be able to find an [updated COVID-19 vaccine](https://www.cdc.gov/covid/vaccines/stay-up-to-date.html) available through their state or local health department immunization programs. CDC is providing new funding for [updated COVID-19 vaccines](https://www.cdc.gov/covid/vaccines/stay-up-to-date.html) for public health safety net providers. Adults without health insurance or with insurance that doesn't cover all COVID-19 vaccine costs may be able to find a free COVID-19 vaccine. Here are ways you can look for a free COVID-19 vaccine near you: - Contact your local health department - There will be [updated COVID-19 vaccines](https://www.cdc.gov/covid/vaccines/stay-up-to-date.html) available through state and local health departments. [Find a local health departmen](https://www.cdc.gov/public-health-gateway/php/communications-resources/health-department-directories.html)t near you and contact them to ask if they have free COVID-19 vaccines available. Health departments may require an appointment or have an enrollment process so please call to ask about COVID-19 vaccine availability before going. - Find a local HRSA-supported health center - [HRSA-supported health centers](https://www.hrsa.gov/) provide care to patients regardless of their ability to pay. There are approximately 15,000 sites across the country. Most health centers have [updated COVID-19 vaccines](https://www.cdc.gov/covid/vaccines/stay-up-to-date.html) available and adjust their fees based on income and family size. - Use the [online tool](https://findahealthcenter.hrsa.gov/tool) to find a health center near you. ## On This Page - [Get an updated COVID-19 vaccine](https://www.cdc.gov/covid/vaccines/getting-your-covid-19-vaccine.html#cdc_getting_your_vaccine_consider-get-an-updated-covid-19-vaccine "Get an updated COVID-19 vaccine") - [What to expect at the appointment](https://www.cdc.gov/covid/vaccines/getting-your-covid-19-vaccine.html#cdc_getting_your_vaccine_what_to_exp-what-to-expect-at-the-appointment "What to expect at the appointment") - [Paying for COVID-19 vaccines](https://www.cdc.gov/covid/vaccines/getting-your-covid-19-vaccine.html#cdc_getting_your_vaccine_find_pay-paying-for-covid-19-vaccines "Paying for COVID-19 vaccines") ## Related Pages - [COVID-19 Vaccines](https://www.cdc.gov/covid/vaccines/index.html) - [Staying Up to Date](https://www.cdc.gov/covid/vaccines/stay-up-to-date.html) - [Vaccines for Moderately to Severely Immunocompromised People](https://www.cdc.gov/covid/vaccines/immunocompromised-people.html) - [COVID-19 Vaccine Effectiveness](https://www.cdc.gov/covid/vaccines/covid-19-vaccine-effectiveness.html) - [Vaccines for People Who Would Like to Have a Baby](https://www.cdc.gov/covid/vaccines/planning-for-pregnancy.html) [View All Covid](https://www.cdc.gov/covid/site.html#gen) [COVID-19 Vaccine Effectiveness](https://www.cdc.gov/covid/vaccines/covid-19-vaccine-effectiveness.html) June 10, 2025 [Sources](https://www.cdc.gov/covid/vaccines/getting-your-covid-19-vaccine.html#content-sources) [Print](https://www.cdc.gov/covid/vaccines/getting-your-covid-19-vaccine.html#print) [Share](https://www.cdc.gov/covid/vaccines/getting-your-covid-19-vaccine.html#share) [Facebook](https://www.facebook.com/sharer/sharer.php?u=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.cdc.gov%2Fcovid%2Fvaccines%2Fgetting-your-covid-19-vaccine.html "Share to Facebook") [LinkedIn](https://www.linkedin.com/shareArticle?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.cdc.gov%2Fcovid%2Fvaccines%2Fgetting-your-covid-19-vaccine.html&title=Getting%20Your%20COVID-19%20Vaccine "Share to LinkedIn") [Twitter](http://twitter.com/share?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.cdc.gov%2Fcovid%2Fvaccines%2Fgetting-your-covid-19-vaccine.html&text=Getting%20Your%20COVID-19%20Vaccine "Share to Twitter") [Syndicate](https://tools.cdc.gov/medialibrary/index.aspx#/sharecontent "Embed this Page") Content Source: [National Center for Immunization and Respiratory Diseases](https://www.cdc.gov/ncird/index.html); [Coronavirus and Other Respiratory Viruses Division](https://www.cdc.gov/ncird/divisions-offices/index.html) ## Related Pages - [COVID-19 Vaccines](https://www.cdc.gov/covid/vaccines/index.html) - [Staying Up to Date](https://www.cdc.gov/covid/vaccines/stay-up-to-date.html) - [Vaccines for Moderately to Severely Immunocompromised People](https://www.cdc.gov/covid/vaccines/immunocompromised-people.html) - [COVID-19 Vaccine Effectiveness](https://www.cdc.gov/covid/vaccines/covid-19-vaccine-effectiveness.html) - [Vaccines for People Who Would Like to Have a Baby](https://www.cdc.gov/covid/vaccines/planning-for-pregnancy.html) [View All Covid](https://www.cdc.gov/covid/site.html#gen) Back to Top ## [Covid](https://www.cdc.gov/covid/index.html) COVID-19 (coronavirus disease 2019) is a disease caused by a virus named SARS-CoV-2. 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- Learn how to schedule an appointment to get your COVID-19 vaccine and know what to expect at your appointment.  ## Get an updated COVID-19 vaccine ### Schedule Your Vaccination Appointment ### Did you know? Most vaccination providers schedule appointments online. Contact the vaccination provider directly to verify, reschedule, or cancel or with any questions about your appointment. CDC **cannot** schedule, verify, reschedule, or cancel a vaccination appointment. ### Who should and shouldn't receive the vaccine You should get an [updated COVID-19 vaccine](https://www.cdc.gov/covid/vaccines/stay-up-to-date.html) even if you already had COVID-19. [Staying up to date](https://www.cdc.gov/covid/vaccines/stay-up-to-date.html) with COVID-19 vaccines after you recover from COVID-19 infection provides added protection against the virus that causes COVID-19. Talk to your doctor if you have questions about getting a COVID-19 vaccine. #### When you *can* wait to get an updated COVID-19 vaccine If you recently had COVID-19, you still need to stay up to date with your vaccines, but you **may** consider delaying your vaccine dose by 3 months. #### When you *should* wait to get an updated COVID-19 vaccine ## What to expect at the appointment ### Before Your Vaccination Appointment #### Get a COVID-19 vaccine with your routine medical procedures and screenings You can combine most procedures, screenings, and vaccinations at the same appointment when you get your COVID-19 vaccination. Talk to your healthcare provider if you have questions. Children, teens, and adults **may get a COVID-19 vaccine and other vaccines, including a flu vaccine, at the same time.** #### Preparing children and teens for vaccination The experience of getting a COVID-19 vaccine will be very similar to that of getting other vaccines. Learn how you can support your child and talk to them [about what to expect](https://www.cdc.gov/vaccines-children/index.html) before they get a vaccine. #### Requesting accommodations at vaccination sites - When making an appointment or arriving for vaccination, you can let staff know you or your child might need some accommodations. - People with disabilities can use the [Disability Information and Access Line (DIAL)](https://dial.acl.gov/home) to get help with COVID-19 vaccinations. #### If you have allergies related to vaccines: Talk to your doctor to learn if you should get a [different type of COVID-19 vaccine](https://www.cdc.gov/covid/vaccines/how-they-work.html#cdc_vaccine_basics_types-types-of-vaccines) if you: - Have had a severe allergic reaction to a previous COVID-19 vaccine dose. - Are allergic to an ingredient in a COVID-19 vaccine. - Had an immediate allergic reaction (a reaction that started within 4 hours of getting vaccinated) to a COVID-19 vaccine, but the reaction was not considered severe by a medical professional. ### During the Appointment **You should receive a paper or electronic fact sheet.** The fact sheet tells you more about the COVID-19 vaccine you or your child received. Each approved and authorized COVID-19 vaccine has its own fact sheet that contains information to help you understand the risks and benefits of that vaccine. ### After Getting a COVID-19 Vaccine #### Possible Side Effects After Getting a COVID-19 Vaccine Side effects after getting a COVID-19 vaccine can vary from person to person. Some people experience a little discomfort and can continue to go about their day. Others have side effects that affect their ability to do daily activities. Side effects generally go away in a few days and tend to be mild and temporary, like those experienced after routine vaccinations. Even if you don’t experience any side effects, your body is building protection against the virus that causes COVID-19. Common side effects can include: - Pain, swelling, and redness on the arm where the shot was given. - Tiredness, headache, muscle pain - Chills - Nausea - Fever #### Relieve Common Side Effects - It is not recommended to take pain relievers or medicines, such as ibuprofen, aspirin (only for people ages 18 years or older), or acetaminophen before vaccination to try to prevent side effects. - Talk to your doctor about taking over-the-counter pain relievers **after** your vaccine. - If possible, get some rest. - To relieve pain or swelling on the arm where you got the shot: - Apply a clean, cool, wet washcloth over the area. - Use or keep moving your arm. - To reduce discomfort from fever: - Drink plenty of fluids. - Dress in comfortable clothes. Talk to your child’s healthcare provider about giving your child a non-aspirin pain reliever and learn about other steps [you can take at home to comfort your child after vaccination](https://www.cdc.gov/vaccines-children/before-during-after-shots/less-stress.html). ### Call a doctor or healthcare provider about a side effect if: 1\. Redness or tenderness where the shot was given gets worse after 24 hours 2\. Side effects are worrying or do not seem to be going away after a few days 3\. After leaving a vaccination provider site, if you think you or your child might be having a severe allergic reaction, seek immediate medical care by calling 911. **Adverse events (serious health problems) after COVID-19 vaccination are rare.** [Adverse events](https://www.cdc.gov/vaccine-safety/vaccines/covid-19.html) after COVID-19 vaccination are rare, but can cause long-term health problems. They usually happen within six weeks of getting a vaccine. Learn more about the [safety of COVID-19 vaccines.](https://www.cdc.gov/vaccine-safety/vaccines/covid-19.html) Side effects and adverse events can be reported in [Vaccine Adverse Event Reporting System (VAERS).](https://vaers.hhs.gov/) ## Paying for COVID-19 vaccines Most people can get no-cost [updated COVID-19 vaccines](https://www.cdc.gov/covid/vaccines/stay-up-to-date.html) through their private health insurance, Medicare, and Medicaid plans. CDC’s [Vaccines for Children (VFC)](https://www.cdc.gov/vaccines-for-children/vfc-information-for-parents/index.html) program provides vaccines at no cost to eligible children through health care providers enrolled in the program. ### Where to find your free COVID-19 vaccine this season Now that the Bridge Access Program has ended, uninsured individuals may be able to find an [updated COVID-19 vaccine](https://www.cdc.gov/covid/vaccines/stay-up-to-date.html) available through their state or local health department immunization programs. CDC is providing new funding for [updated COVID-19 vaccines](https://www.cdc.gov/covid/vaccines/stay-up-to-date.html) for public health safety net providers. Adults without health insurance or with insurance that doesn't cover all COVID-19 vaccine costs may be able to find a free COVID-19 vaccine. Here are ways you can look for a free COVID-19 vaccine near you: - Contact your local health department - There will be [updated COVID-19 vaccines](https://www.cdc.gov/covid/vaccines/stay-up-to-date.html) available through state and local health departments. [Find a local health departmen](https://www.cdc.gov/public-health-gateway/php/communications-resources/health-department-directories.html)t near you and contact them to ask if they have free COVID-19 vaccines available. Health departments may require an appointment or have an enrollment process so please call to ask about COVID-19 vaccine availability before going. - Find a local HRSA-supported health center - [HRSA-supported health centers](https://www.hrsa.gov/) provide care to patients regardless of their ability to pay. There are approximately 15,000 sites across the country. Most health centers have [updated COVID-19 vaccines](https://www.cdc.gov/covid/vaccines/stay-up-to-date.html) available and adjust their fees based on income and family size. - Use the [online tool](https://findahealthcenter.hrsa.gov/tool) to find a health center near you. June 10, 2025